‘Unimaginable tragedy’: Boston College hockey standout, brother killed on eve of sister’s wedding (2025)

Boston College hockey standout and NHL star Johnny Gaudreau died Thursday night in a crash involving an alleged drunken driver that also claimed the life of his brother, just one day before they were slated to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding.

WATCH LIVE: Boston College providing update after hockey standout Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed in crash.

WATCH LIVE: Boston College providing update after hockey standout Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed in crash.

Posted by Boston 25 News on Friday, August 30, 2024

Man facing ‘death by auto’ charges in drunken crash that killed Johnny Gaudreau, brother, police say

Gaudreau, 31, and his 29-year-old brother, Matthew, both of New Jersey, were riding bicycles close to the fog line along County Route 551 in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when they were struck by the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee shortly before 8:30 p.m., according to New Jersey State Police.

The Jeep driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, of Woodstown, New Jersey, attempted to veer around an SUV that had split the north and south lanes to safely pass to the Gaudreau brothers, and crashed into them from behind, state police said.

Higgins was arrested and jailed on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and two counts of death by auto. It wasn’t immediately clear when Higgins would be called to court to face the charges in the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers.

‘Unimaginable tragedy’: Boston College hockey standout, brother killed on eve of sister’s wedding (1)

Gaudreau was a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets, scoring 12 goals and 48 assists across 81 games last season. He tallied 243 goals and 500 assists over 763 career NHL games.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the team said in a statement Friday morning. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

Gaudreau and his brother, who also played hockey at Boston College, were set to participate in their sister Katie’s wedding on Friday afternoon, a post on The Knot showed.

Katie was set to marry Devin Joyce, who played hockey for the Junior Islanders on Long Island and at Neumann University, at a 1:45 p.m. afternoon ceremony at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Gloucester City, New Jersey, according to her wedding event page. A cocktail hour and reception were to follow at The Lucy by Cescaphe in Philadelphia.

Gaudreau’s young children were slated to serve as the ring bearer and flower girl.

Gaudreau played nine seasons with the Calgary Flames before signing a seven-year contract in 2022 worth nearly $69 million to play in central Ohio.

“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone who saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets,” the Blue Jackets said.

Gaudreau, a prolific offensive talent, led the Boston College Eagles to a national championship in 2012. In 2014, he won the Hobey Baker Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding Division I men’s college hockey player.

During that 2014 campaign, Gaudreau tallied 80 points, the third-highest total in Boston College history and the most of any college hockey player since Peter Sejna’s 82-point performance with Colorado College in 2002-03.

In a news conference inside the Conte Forum Friday, BC coaching legend Jerry York dubbed his former star a “magical” player who shared a competitive fire with his brother Matthew.

“If you ask us to name our favorite players, both boys are going to be among them,” York said.

“They were such a pleasure to coach because they just brought energy every day,” current BC hockey coach Greg Brown recalled. “They’re guys you dream of having on your team.”

“They’re such a tight-knit family,” Coach Brown said. “They were at every game. I just can’t imagine what they’re going through.”

Incoming freshman Ian O’Connor told Boston 25 News that “Johnny Hockey” is the standard to strive for.

“I grew up playing hockey and remember hearing his name at Boston College and the NHL,” O’Connor described. “He had some incredible moments over his career, and to be able to go to the same school is pretty awesome.”

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In a statement, the Gaudreau brothers’ alma mater said, “All of us in the Boston College community are stunned by this tragic news. Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the greatest players in the history of Boston College hockey but one of the nicest as well. Matthew was a gifted payer who was equally beloved by his teammates. Our prayers are with Johnny, Matthew, and the entire Gaudreau family at this time of unimaginable loss.”

The Boston Bruins also issued an official statement on the passing of the Gaudreau brothers, writing in part, “The Goudreaus will forever be a part of the Boston hockey community thanks to the incredible impact they made as student-athletes on and off the ice at Boston College.”

Gaudreau, affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” recently played for Team USA in the Ice Hockey World Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

“He thrilled fans in a way only ‘Johnny Hockey’ could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him,” the Blue Jackets added. “Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”

Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times. In a statement, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman fondly recalled his “infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills.”

“He was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother, and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path,” Bettman said.

Gaudreau leaves behind his wife, Meredith, his two children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, family, and friends.

“It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau,” the Flames wrote in a post on X. “Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary.”

Thursday night’s crash remains under investigation.

In Loving Memory pic.twitter.com/zXpBBJdAEU

— Boston College Eagles (@BCEagles) August 30, 2024

Columbus Blue Jackets statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. pic.twitter.com/V2aFykgKIs

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2024

It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.

Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary. pic.twitter.com/xFm1md0vwh

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) August 30, 2024

Commissioner Bettman Statement on the Passing of Johnny Gaudreau. https://t.co/JJHCkBDIzF pic.twitter.com/fhbjomNOPw

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) August 30, 2024

pic.twitter.com/asGWUWcPwU

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) August 30, 2024

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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‘Unimaginable tragedy’: Boston College hockey standout, brother killed on eve of sister’s wedding (2025)

FAQs

‘Unimaginable tragedy’: Boston College hockey standout, brother killed on eve of sister’s wedding? ›

NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were fatally struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bikes on a New Jersey roadway, officials said, just hours before they were to serve as groomsmen in their sister's wedding.

How were Gaudreau brothers killed? ›

Meredith Gaudreau announced at the funeral for her husband and his brother, Matthew, both killed when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles, that she was nine weeks pregnant with the couple's third child.

What happened between Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau? ›

Johnny and Matthew died Aug. 29 when they were struck by a car while riding bicycles at home in Salem County, New Jersey. Johnny, who played 11 seasons in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames, was 31.

What happened to Johnny and Matthew? ›

NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were remembered by hundreds during funeral services Monday afternoon at Saint Mary Magdalen Church in Media. The pair died two weeks ago after being hit by a suspected drunk while riding bikes during a visit to Salem County, New Jersey.

Where did Johnny Hockey go to college? ›

Flowers, sticks, bags of Skittles and bottles of purple Gatorade make up a vigil outside Conte Forum, the home rink for “Johnny Hockey” when he and his brother played at Boston College, together, for one season.

Is Johnny Gaudreau still alive? ›

Who is Johnny Gaudreau? ›

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, starred in the NHL for 11 seasons with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets – scoring 243 career goals and amassing 743 points while making seven All-Star game appearances. Hockey players Johhny Gaudreau, left, and brother Matthew Gaudreau.

Did Johnny Gaudreau leave the flames? ›

His time with the Flames culminated in a career-best 40 goals and 115 points in his final season with Calgary, before he joined the Columbus Blue Jackets. His 90 even-strength points that season were the most since Jaromir Jagr (95) in 1995-96.

Did Johnny Gaudreau have a baby? ›

MORE: Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau killed after being hit by alleged drunk driver: Police. Their first child, daughter Noa Harper Gaudreau, was born Sept. 30, 2022. Their second, son Johnny Edward Gaudreau, was born Feb. 22.

How much did Johnny Gaudreau weigh when he was drafted? ›

There was no lack of skill in his game, but Gaudreau, who stands at just 5-foot-9 and weighs 165 pounds, was overlooked by many executives and organizations due to his size. The Calgary Flames selected Gaudreau in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft after emerging as a star with the Boston College Eagles.

What happened to Johnny's first wife? ›

She filed for divorce in 1966, citing his adultery, drinking, and drug abuse. They had 4 children whom she raised with help from her mother. She remarried in 1968, to a police officer, and wrote a book about her early life with Cash. She died in 2005, from cancer.

Who were the pallbearers for Johnny Gaudreau? ›

Among the pallbearers were Kevin Hayes, a long-time friend and a teammate of Johnny's at Boston College; Andrew Mangiapane of the Flames; Carolina Hurricane Eric Robinson; and Sean Monahan, who signed with the Blue Jackets in July with the intention of playing with Johnny this season.

What happened to Johnny at the church? ›

When Bob and other Socs jump Johnny and Ponyboy, Johnny stabs and kills Bob, saving Ponyboy. The two Greasers hide out in an abandoned church, but when a group of children breaks into the church and a fire starts, Johnny saves them. In the process, though, he breaks his back and later succumbs to his injuries.

Who was Johnny Gaudreau's best friend? ›

Meredith Gaudreau singled out two of John's closest friends, Sean Monahan and Kevin Hayes, in a eulogy that lasted more than 30 minutes. “You've both known John longer than I have, which means you helped shape him into the man I fell in love with," she said. "He looked up to you both on and off the ice.

Whose nickname is Johnny hockey? ›

Gaudreau was known around the sport as “Johnny Hockey,” a nickname coined by fans when he starred at Boston College from 2011-14. He helped BC win the national title in 2012 and took home the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA's top player two years later.

Where did Wayne Gretzky go to college? ›

Who killed Johnny and Matthew? ›

Sean M. Higgins, the alleged drunk driver, had attempted to pass another car when he fatally hit the Gaudreau brothers, New Jersey State Police told PEOPLE last month. Higgins was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto and arrested.

Why did Gaudreau go to Blue Jackets? ›

He was excited to play for Columbus and be closer to his family in New Jersey, which for Blue Jackets fans makes his sudden death along with that of his brother Thursday night a shattering tragedy even harder to take. He was just 31. “Johnny Gaudreau coming here, actually choosing Columbus was literally our validation.

Who killed the two hockey players? ›

The driver of the car, Sean Higgins, 43, has been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, according to officials. Gaudreau's team called the incident an "unimaginable tragedy".

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